Worship Team
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Being part of any worship team is an honor, a form of service, and a privilege allowed by God. We are here to serve God and the body that He has entrusted to us. It is not about us. The primary function, then, is to lead the congregation in true worship under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, New Living Translation).
CALLING
It is very important for those who participate in the Worship Team to feel that they are “called and anointed” to the ministry of worship. We believe in the operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the order of Service at Living Hope.
SUBMITTING TO AUTHORITY
Not every decision made will make everyone happy. There will be times when you do not agree with the Worship Leader, and they will not always agree with you. However, the position is a position of authority, and the ultimate decision is theirs to make and should be respected. If intervention is needed to correct the leader, the Pastor will initiate and guide this process.
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished” (Romans 13: 1-2, NLT).
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PREPARATION
Serving on a worship team takes time and effort. While we are striving to serve the Lord and not draw attention to ourselves, there is an aspect of performance involved. Preparation is sacrificial and essential. It is part of our service to Jesus and the body we serve. This performance is for Jesus; we should strive for excellence. Worship team members are expected to be prepared by practice on Thursday evening. By this point, it is expected that members of the team will know the songs well and be able to proficiently play or sing the various parts of that week’s set (vocal parts, stops, changes, riffs, leads, patches, tones, etc.). Between Thursday and Sunday, worship team members need to review the set and the notes for each song and run through them. This all takes great discipline. In a perfect world, by Sunday, we know the songs well enough that we are worshiping with the body!
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
If there is a conflict, you are first encouraged to lay it before God honestly and see what He has to say to you. The question to be asked of yourself is, “Is this a problem with someone else or simply a problem with me?” If the issue persists, you will first talk to the individual you have the conflict with, and if there is still a conflict, you will come to the worship team leader and discuss it with her. If you need counsel about an issue before the previous steps or about something you are dealing with personally, approach the worship leader. If you have an issue with the worship leader, after praying about the situation and praying for the worship leader, you can call, text, email, or schedule a time to speak with the worship leader. There will be NO conflicts presented on Thursday night worship practice night or Sunday morning practice or worship service.
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back” (Matthew 18:15, NLT).
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HOW WE CARRY OURSELVES
Worship team members are considered ministers and are expected to live with respect and integrity (1 Tim 3:8-10). Being a minister who leads the congregation in worship adds extra responsibilities. People look to us as examples of what a Christian should be like. Therefore, it is imperative that we carry ourselves in this way, consider the way we treat each other, and carefully guard our hearts from impurities and pride.
It is God’s, and our desire to see our worship team members live victorious Christian lives free from bondage. If you struggle with any addictions or issues, please let us know—we are here to help you, not to judge you.
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The following issues should be dealt with before any public ministry position is taken:
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Alcohol and drug abuse.
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Sexual immorality.
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Prideful attitude.
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Anger and rage problems.
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Inability to submit to leadership.
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Gossiping and stirring up strife.
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An unbiblical lifestyle.
ATTENDANCE
Members will be expected to be faithful and honor God in their service; part of that is attendance. Weekly rehearsals are required, and members should arrive ON TIME, ready to work on the designated material. Poor attendance and showing up late for rehearsals demonstrate a lack of discipline and respect for the Lord’s ministry. Those unable to attend rehearsals should not expect to participate in the Worship Team the following Sunday.
PROSPECTIVE NEW WORSHIP TEAM MEMBERS
Members must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is consistent and growing through prayer, Bible reading, and church fellowship. In addition, you need to be aligned with “What We Believe,” which you can find in our church membership course (Please see the Pastor for details). Also, prospective worship team members will undergo an auditioning process. This will include interviews, a musical audition, and a probationary period. This aims to determine one’s abilities and see if they are a good fit with the Living Hope Worship Team. One may or may not be asked to serve on the main team. However, there are many other places within the Worship Ministry you may be asked to serve.
WORSHIP TECH TEAM
You are just as important as everyone else, and what you do matters. Your contributions may be overlooked by some who do not understand the value you bring, but all our tech team members are vital members of the music ministry. Tech team members must arrive early so that everything is up and running by the time the team arrives. 10-15 minutes early is plenty. As with all worship ministry members, the “Attitudes, Actions, Attendance, and Appearance” policies apply.
TRAINING
All worship team members are expected to pursue Jesus and grow in their faith through personal Bible study, as well as be diligent in continually growing in skill as it pertains to their abilities. There are many ways to improve your skills (the internet and YouTube are awesome resources!) Additionally, musicians, vocalists, and tech should have open hearts to receive advice, correction, and training and should be committed to becoming proficiently skilled in their ministry.
STAGE PRESENCE
Do not let the congregation determine your level of expression. Sometimes, they will not be engaged in worship. As leaders, we always need to be engaged. Show them an example of how to express worship. Most of the time, they simply need to see worship to learn how to express it independently.
Be sincere. Worship from your heart. Give a warm smile from within. We are leading people from all different circumstances, so remember that a warm smile ministers more than you realize.
If you have any questions or concerns or are struggling, don't hesitate to contact the worship leader at cvonschill@aol.com.